"Those who exercise but little faith now, are in the greatest danger of falling under the power of satanic delusions and the decree to compel the conscience. And even if they endure the test they will be plunged into deeper distress and anguish in the time of trouble, because they have never made it a habit to trust in God. The lessons of faith which they have neglected they will be forced to learn under a terrible pressure of discouragement. GC 622.1"
"Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin."
Both passages emphasize the importance of faith and the danger of unbelief. Hebrews 3:12-13 warns against an evil heart of unbelief leading to departure from God, while the EGW passage connects a lack of faith to vulnerability to satanic delusions and increased distress during times of trouble.
"We should now acquaint ourselves with God by proving His promises. Angels record every prayer that is earnest and sincere. We should rather dispense with selfish gratifications than neglect communion with God. The deepest poverty, the greatest self-denial, with His approval, is better than riches, honors, ease, and friendship without it. We must take time to pray. If we allow our minds to be absorbed by worldly interests, the Lord may give us time by removing from us our idols of gold, of houses, or of fertile lands. GC 622.2"
"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded."
Both passages encourage drawing near to God. James 4:8 explicitly states this principle, while the EGW passage elaborates on how to draw near to God through prayer, proving His promises, and prioritizing communion with Him over worldly interests.
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
Both passages emphasize prioritizing God over worldly possessions and interests. Matthew 6:33 instructs to seek God's kingdom first, while the EGW passage encourages dispensing with selfish gratifications and neglecting communion with God, suggesting that God's approval is more valuable than riches or ease.
"The young would not be seduced into sin if they would refuse to enter any path save that upon which they could ask God's blessing. If the messengers who bear the last solemn warning to the world would pray for the blessing of God, not in a cold, listless, lazy manner, but fervently and in faith, as did Jacob, they would find many places where they could say: “I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” Genesis 32:30 . They would be accounted of heaven as princes, having power to prevail with God and with men. GC 622.3"
"And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved."
Ellen White directly references Genesis 32:30 in this passage.
"The “time of trouble, such as never was,” is soon to open upon us; and we shall need an experience which we do not now possess and which many are too indolent to obtain. It is often the case that trouble is greater in anticipation than in reality; but this is not true of the crisis before us. The most vivid presentation cannot reach the magnitude of the ordeal. In that time of trial, every soul must stand for himself before God. “Though Noah, Daniel, and Job” were in the land, “as I live, saith the Lord God, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness.” Ezekiel 14:20 . GC 622.4"
"Though Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, as I live, saith the Lord God, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness."
Ellen White directly references Ezekiel 14:20 in this passage.